Shelter deserves to expand
Shelter is asking to expand the number of residents at their Arlington Heights transitional housing from six to 10. Here are some facts that prove this transitional housing is a good idea for you, me, the young men directly impacted, and Arlington Heights:
- Since the opening of the Valley Lane facility on April 15, 2022, there have been no recorded significant complaints from the neighborhood.
- Arlington Heights Chief of Police Pecora has noted that there have been no issues of consequence and believes the program is well run.
- The Valley Lane location is well chosen for the transitional living program as it is close to many stores and businesses that have hired the young men.
- Of the 11 young people who graduated/were discharged from the program, 7 were employed at the time they left the program. The remaining 4 were unemployed when they left, but obtained employment after moving into their permanent homes.
- Since Shelter opened on Valley Lane, they have welcomed 17 young people into the program. Of the 11 young people who have successfully discharged, eight (72%) have gone on to live independently, while two (18%) transitioned to living with relatives. Only one discharge was considered unsuccessful.
- Two of the young men who transitioned from the program have continued on to college. They are now certified nursing assistants and are continuing their education with plans to earn their nursing degrees.
- In short, the program works!
Just sayin', I am one of 11, 9 kids and 2 parents, who lived at one home in our mayor's neighborhood, and it turned out pretty good, too, with all of us kids graduating college and gainfully employed when we were 'discharged' from our home! Can you imagine if my parents, who were married 63 years when my mom passed, had to ask the neighbors if it was OK to have more kids? Makes me laugh thinking about it!
Let's continue to make Arlington Heights the welcoming village of good neighbors we can all be proud to call our home.
Mary Hahn, Arlington Heights